As with most years, I like to take photos of the larger fireworks displays.  Here are my photos from the Red, White, and Boom celebration in Santa Rosa, CA.  These were taken on Brookwood Avenue behind the fairgrounds.  Click them out!

A sample photo:

I went to the Orchard Supply Hardware in Santa Rosa on Friday, June 10, at about 6:40PM.  I wanted to purchase a pair of gloves.  I chose my desired model, size, and was greeted by cashier Elizabeth.  She scanned the gloves and I attempted to pay with my Visa credit card.  She stated that she must look at my identification due to “store policy” and referred me to a manager.

The manager that arrived was named Mark.  Elizabeth explained the situation.  I asked him if this was true.  He said “you don’t know it’s not.”  I told him to produce a written policy that substantiate his statements.  Then I told him I don’t carry ID at all times, VISA does not require supplemental identification to process a transaction, and that he was violating their merchant policy.  He said that he was “trying to protect” my money.  I was trying to give them my money.  I told him that he could check the signature on the pinpad device against the one on the back of my card if was so worried about my money.

After the manager tossed my card down on the counter, he was reluctant let my card be run, but he warned that next time, I better have identification.  He asked me how I arrived to the store and stated, “You better not be driving.”  I told him that I lived close by and I walked.  He then stated that I must carry a drivers license around at “all times” even while walking.  I told him, according to California law, that his statement was untrue, but you must identify yourself to a police officer if asked.  He then said, this direct quote, “Man, you are being really difficult today, I hope you feel better when you’re back on your meds.”  He insulted me, the customer.

I am 100% positive that I was in the right as I have read the Consumerist and have lodged complaints against merchants before with Visa.  I was not trite with my tone and kept my composure during the entire ordeal.  I then requested the corporate phone number which the cashier gave me.

I have contacted OSH through their online store feedback form, informed VISA of the merchant who was not following their merchant agreement, and will call their corporate number first thing on Monday.

I want to let readers know, that regardless of the situation, a merchant cannot ask for supplemental identification to process a credit card transaction and then continue to insult a paying customer.

Today, I went to the San Francisco Auto Show. I got a bunch of free stuff as well including a Range Rover travel mug, Scion Racing hat, Scion key chain, Geico light stick, and various brochures.

You can check out the photos here.

Also, take a quick look at these video clips.

I’ve been really busy with work, hence the lack of updates.  I hope I’ll be able to make a couple more posts per year…

This is such a terrible commercial from Aveeno.

If anybody knows the Periodic Table of Elements, Aveeno puts it to shame.

Now we really know how old something is when it’s “reposted”.

This is an interactive chart created by CNET of all the popular Internet fads and memes: everything from All Your Base Are Belong To Us to the O’RLY owl, to the Hampster Dance, to ICanHasCheezburger, and just about every other fad to hit the ‘net.

Take a look at it here.

What is a monoument?
From the Ontario, CA airport.

Just made this new time lapse out of my window in Sacramento.

From exactly 1:25am on July 12 to 1:25 on July 13th.